Canadian firm with strong presence in the mining industry expands its reach in emerging economy.

Toronto-based law firm Fasken Martineau, a heavy hitter in the mining industry, announced Monday that it plans to absorb South African business law firm Bell Dewar.

By bringing on Bell Dewar’s 76 lawyers, Fasken extends what it claims is the largest international footprint of any Canadian law firm. Fasken Martineau managing partner David Corbett says the completion of the Dewar deal, expected to become official by Feb. 1, 2013, will mean 22 per cent of Fasken’s lawyers will be based overseas.

Fasken opened a small office in Johannesburg nine years ago, before expanding to London and then to Paris.

“From a Canadian standpoint it’s a little different tack we’ve taken,” Corbett said in an interview. “We’re not being absorbed by somebody else. It’s a Canadian firm forging its way in the world and taking the most of the opportunity.”

More importantly for a firm heavily involved in the mining industry, merging with a South African outfit gives Fasken a foothold in an emerging economy. Though the move is officially labeled a merger, it will consist of Fasken taking on all of Bell Dewar’s South Africa-based lawyers, with the firm’s partners becoming partners at Fasken Martineau.

More on thestar.com

We value respectful and thoughtful discussion. Readers are encouraged to flag comments that fail to meet the standards outlined in our
Community Code of Conduct.
For further information, including our legal guidelines, please see our full website
Terms and Conditions.